Job Search Before Aliyah — Why It’s So Difficult

Finding a job **before **making Aliyah is one of the most challenging parts of the process. Israeli employers are often hesitant to hire candidates who haven’t yet arrived, mainly because they:

**1.        Prefer face-to-face interviews **– Israeli workplace culture relies heavily on in-person interaction, so hiring someone abroad feels risky.

**2.        Want immediate availability **– Companies need employees who can start within weeks, not months.

**3.        Worry about bureaucracy **– Non-citizens require extra paperwork, even if you’re about to become one through Aliyah.

**4.        Value local experience and Hebrew **– Without both, you’re competing at a disadvantage against native Israelis or existing olim already in-country.

For most olim, securing a job **before **arrival is unlikely unless you’re in a niche field with a severe shortage (like cybersecurity, high-level tech, or healthcare).

 Realistic Strategy

ï           Focus on networking: Join Israel-based LinkedIn groups, Facebook communities (like “Jobs for Olim”), and professional WhatsApp groups. Personal introductions often go further than CVs.

ï           Start Hebrew early: Even moderate conversational Hebrew helps your CV stand out.

ï           Plan a pilot trip: A short trip for networking and interviews in person can make a real difference.

ï           Target global companies with Israeli offices: Multinationals such as Intel, Microsoft, Google, and HP sometimes transfer employees internally or allow remote roles with Israeli branches later.

ï           Leverage Nefesh B’Nefesh, Gvahim, and aliyah job fairs: These organizations have job boards and can connect olim with employers open to hiring English speakers.

 Helpful Resources

Job Search Platforms

ï           Nefesh B’Nefesh Job Board – English-speaking listings.

ï           Gvahim – Career support and networking programs for professionals.

ï           Jobs Israel – General English-language job site.

ï           LinkedIn Israel – Use location filters for Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Herzliya.

ï           AllJobs.co.il – The most comprehensive local platform (mostly in Hebrew).

Support Programs

ï           **Gvahim Career Program **– A structured integration course for new olim seeking professional jobs.

ï           **Nefesh B’Nefesh Employment Advisors **– Offer 1:1 support and guidance by sector.

ï           **The Hub by Nefesh B’Nefesh **– Free co-working spaces for new arrivals to network and job hunt.

 The Reality Check

If you’re outside Israel, expect slow replies or no replies at all. Your best chance is to build relationships before **sending formal applications. Treat the pre-Aliyah phase as **research and networking, not active job hunting.

Most olim land first, settle with temporary work or freelance projects, and transition into their long-term career after 6–12 months. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Updated on: 01/02/2026